Category: Simple Maths Games

Learning fractions addition and subtraction visually is a great way to secure fractions numeracy

Fractions lend themselves to be taught online very well, enabling both tutor and tutee to colour in boxes, rub them out, add them up and simplify the answers.

Below is a screenshot from a recent tutorial I had with a Y3 child who has just begun to learn about fractions.

It is great to see a child suddenly understand that four eighths is the same as a half.

Often a couple of fractions tutorials BEFORE a child starts to learn fractions at school gives them a HUGE advantage in understanding the basics which will enable them to not only keep up with the class, but often to lead the class and the homework.

There are many simple games which you can use to help build numeracy with your children. Here are a few ideas:

Racing Add Dice

It’s a race to fifty.

Each person rolls two dice then adds up the numbers. That’s their score. Write it down or keep track in your head if you can. The firsts person to fifty wins!

More Racing Add Dice

The same race as above but use three or four dice each for older children and the target is 101 or above.

A twist to Racing Add Dice is that you have to hit the exact target rather than just pass it.

Power Race Dice

Similar to above, except you multiple the numbers that come up on the dice. So if you roll a 3 and a 5, you’re at 15. The target should be bigger – e.g. 101 for a short game or 250 or above for a longer game.

Extreme Power Race Dice

As above, but with three or more dice – e.g. if you roll a 2, 3 and 4 that’s 2 x 3 x 4 = 24.

A Twist on the Race Game

Instead of adding your totals up, try taking them away.

For example if you roll a 2 and a 5 and are adding, that gives you 7, which you then take away from 101. The winner is the person who goes below zero first.

Equipment for the Dice Race Games

The beauty of these games is that all you need are a few dice and a pad of paper and a pencil.

As your children get more advance you can move to more complex games.

In my experience these games work well in the car, a cafe, on a plane or even at home when the wifi is down!